Singapore Grand Prix qualifying – F1: Charles Leclerc takes dramatic pole
Charles Leclerc took pole position for the Singapore Grand Prix – as champion-elect Max Verstappen finished a lowly eighth after pulling out of his final flying lap.
Verstappen, who leads the standings by 116 points and can retain the title on Sunday if he wins and Leclerc implodes, was told, ‘Box, box.’
The Dutchman questioned the decision but complied. So it is Leclerc and Sergio Perez sharing the front row. Lewis Hamilton was third best, 0.054sec back, despite showing signs that he might have enough pace for pole.
Charles Leclerc took pole position after a dramatic qualifying for the Singapore Grand Prix
The Ferrari driver held his nerve amid a frantic finish at Marina Bay and will start at the front
The seven-time world champion wore a stud in his nose – and faces a sanction from the stewards.
His studded appearance in qualifying followed his decision to wear the same piece of jewellery for third practice earlier in the day.
His latest controversial appearance follows a protracted row with the FIA over wearing jewellery in the cockpit that started back in March.
After several delays, Hamilton finally relented by removing all his jewels prior to the British Grand Prix at Silverstone in July and had since steered clear of piercings while driving.
Sergio Perez (left) starts second and Lewis Hamilton (right) qualified in third for Mercedes
His summons for wearing the stud during practice read: ‘The driver and team representative are required to report to the Stewards at 19:45 in relation to the incident below.
‘Driver 44 – Lewis Hamilton Reason Alleged breach of Appendix L, Chapter III of the FIA International Sporting Code.’
An FIA spokesman said that a fine was the most likely option for the four-man stewarding panel, which includes former British racer Derek Warwick.
Hamilton’s Mercedes team-mate George Russell had a disappointing day, qualifying just 11th on the drying track in humid conditions under the floodlights.
Lando Norris was sixth best for McLaren.
It was an irritating finish for Max Verstappen as he was made to abandon his final flying lap
RECAP: Sportsmail’s live blog for qualifying updates as the Formula One campaign continued at the Singapore Grand Prix.